13 April 2011 Preview: Cotswold Vale Farmers - Andoversford
by Pete Mansell
Five years ago the Cotswold Vale Farmers incorporated a Country Fair with their Point-to-Point and the event has been growing steadily in popularity since its inception. This great day out for all the family takes place next Sunday (17th April) at Andoversford, near Cheltenham (GL54 4LQ).
Entries will be taken on the day for the Working and Family Dog Show (2pm), "Have a Go" Agility Dog (All Day) and Terrier Racing (12 noon). There will also be a Flying Birds Display given by Jemima Parry-Jones of the International Centre for Birds of Prey, Newent.
Other attractions included Harness Goats, Eight Husky Dog Team Demonstration, Duck Racing, the Cotswold Pheasant and Poultry Marquee, Rare Breeds, Farmers Market, various trade stands and a small fun fair. Fine and Country will also be sponsoring a competition for "The Best Dressed Lady".
Pony Racing is scheduled for 1pm with the first of the seven Point-to-Point races commencing at 2.30pm.
63 entries have been received for the Point-to-Point side of the event, which is disappointing as the course rode well last week and provided some exciting finishes.
Clerk of the Course David Morgan will be hoping to carry off some of the prize money with Itsalf who ran a tremendous race over the course 7 days ago and will be fancied to go one better in either the Members or Mens Open.
The opposition in the Members may include Diamond Merchant who won over course and distance last week, or Huntingford who will have the experienced Geoff Barfoot-Saunt in the saddle. Tuesdays Child had useful form a few years ago and the ability to handle the conditions is a major point in his favour.
Several runners in the Maiden are open to improvement and these include Panicmadic and The Irish Tig. Badsey based Martin Bent has had Panicmadic's family in his yard for several generations, while The Irish Tig is well bred and Harry Wheeler's stable at Laverton near Broadway is sure to get the best out of him.
Kim Smyly must wonder what she has to do to get Royal Crystalcadou to win a race. He has had several winning opportunities in the past and if he could be persuaded to put his best foot forward, the race would be his for the taking. Unfortunately, his concentration leaves a lot to be desired so even if he is in front at the last fence, don't count your winnings until he has passed the line.
William McNeile and Rollo Deutsch are still waiting for their first winners, which may come in the PPORA Members. Craven showed his ability to act over the course last week and although he has limited potential he is good enough to land this contest, while Cheltenham College student McNeile is gaining in experience but Danse Macabre has disappointed on several occasions recently.
Artistic Approach and Zinc Mine look the two against the field in the Restricted, while Somewin has Catch the Bus and TwoCute to beat in the Conditions.
